Copyright ©2019 by The Good Elder. All rights reserved.
As is my custom, I asked for a Word in preparation for a recent service, and shortly thereafter, found myself thinking about obsolete social traditions (e.g. racism, religiosity) that reinforce 1) otherness and 2) one being higher over the other. Social dynamics like these are obsolete, but fear keeps adherents trapped/stuck and unable to progress/ascend. In truth, all things, including religion (or religious interpretation/understanding), must evolve, or they (and their adherents) will die. The following Word thus proceeded from this inspiration.
When we consider the modern conveniences afforded to us today, from the ubiquitous smart phones, flat screen TVs, the Internet, GPS, on down to central A/C, indoor plumbing, and hot water, few of us would be willing to given them up for very long. Even some nature enthusiasts who enjoy camping may forego electronics for a few days, but may not be so quick to give up other things (like running water)! There is even a term to describe this: glamping!
We have all heard stories of how people coming from less developed societies, or even people released from prison after long sentences, find that today's conveniences are unfamiliar and foreign to them, even as many of us find that we cannot (or will not) live without them. And, as time passes, the rate of development of such innovations increases exponentially. To the degree that our income allows us, we do our best to stay current, and thus, enjoy an enhanced quality of daily life with each new convenience.
But, for all of the technological advancements that we have achieved in society, our social and spiritual evolution is proceeding at a much slower pace. This slowness of evolution imperils our society and civilization, placing too much emphasis on material growth and gain, when our whole purpose for being is to grow and ascend spiritually. In order for us to grow as intended, in order for us to not remain stuck in the past, in order for us to experience a higher quality of contentment and peace, we will have to be willing to change or even give up obsolete traditions.
The familiar scripture, in which Jesus compares the prayers of the haughty Pharisee to that of the the humble publican, expresses for us a dynamic that, sadly, persists to this day in religious circles. There are those, like the publican, who are true seekers, sincerely striving to live up to their fullest potential. These ones are thankful for life, and strive to apply the teachings from their religious tradition (and meditative insights) to their daily walk. In humility, the publican prayed simply, "God, be merciful unto me, a sinner."
I would daresay that the publican was a "regular Joe". Perhaps there was not much that stood out about him, aside from the fact that his job made him unpopular with the citizenry. Yet, we are permitted to see into the secret recesses of his heart, and observe that he was aware of (and sorry for) his own shortcomings, which he took the time to notice and confess with regret. This quick glance shows us that he was aware of and working toward the goal to which his religious teachings directed him. His prayer shows us that, even as he admitted to falling short, he recognized that God may be willing to see his effort, and look past his faults to supply his needs.
The Pharisee, on the other hand, was too preoccupied with the stagnant social structure of the society and Congregation, and could only utter a prayer full of self-aggrandizement. "I do this, and it makes me good. I do that, and it makes me better than that other guy." The Pharisee's prayer showed that he cared more about his status, and in particular, his advantageous position, than he cared about applying the very same teachings embraced by the publican toward the goal of his own self improvement. He didn't want so much to be his best; it was sufficient to be better than the other.
This reveals an obsolete tradition that overlays (and, in many cases, supplants) the actual religious organization itself. In other words, some people attend worship services or join an organization merely for the social/cultural aspect. In particular, it can be said that these ones do this "to bring themselves into repute, by showing others how [religious they are]." These ones look for some favor, some advantage, some esteem, something onto which they can hold in order to be better than the other. These ones emphasize their positions, their regalia, their righteousness, or conversely, draw attention to the lowness of another, the shortcomings of another, the sinfulness of another.
These one are always looking back to the past, to how things used to be, to what others have done (wrong), looking back to their own former glory. Whatever they think or embrace, it is with the goal of being better than the other, and prolonging that status. These ones give little thought to actually applying the teachings for self improvement. These ones are reluctant to try new things. These ones are reticent of "new blood" and see it as their duty to vet any newcomers (will they be other? Will they change too much? Will they take my place?)
This mentality can be likened to religious zealotry or even white supremacy in the USA, and indeed, (racism in general) in the world. The common thread is that ones desiring to be "on top" draw the sustenance of their identity from being better than the other. Unfortunately for them, they are not better than another, nor do they have to draw the sustenance of their identity from being in an adversarial relationship with another (advantageous at it may seem for them).
The one with the oppressor/superior mindset is just as oppressed as the one over whom he would be better. And, because such ones are reluctant to change, they are stuck and will resist change (sometimes vehemently), because to change would mean (in their eyes) to lose one's identity. But Jesus taught (Luke 9):
[24] For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it.
[25] For what is a man advantaged, if he gain the whole world, and lose himself, or be cast away?
We are living in turbulent times of transition and chaos. Many people are waking up to see that they have unwittingly been clinging to obsolete traditions. Although perhaps raised in privilege or raised "in the church", they (thankfully) now recognize that they no longer like what they see. People are leaving organized religion and other organizations in droves, realizing that the cultures of these organizations are no longer in line with their emerging inner awareness.
Many of them don't know what to do or where to go; they only know that what they're doing (or have done) is no longer sufficient, adequate, or satisfying. These ones have taken a significant step forward in their spiritual growth. By their action, they are willing to face/overcome their fear of change, the ostracization of leaving a vaunted institution, and accept their vulnerability from not being part of a larger group or organization, just to have inner peace. This is a monumental positive shift of thinking and perspective--precisely what religion exists to facilitate.
Conversely, those who cling to obsolete traditions do so at their own peril, not seeing the signs of crisis around them. There is a tendency for those seeking/desiring status to project and prey upon the others in these groups. These clingers resist change, even amid attrition, because their identity/status depends on maintaining the status quo. They believe (perhaps subconsciously), "I can't be who I am unless there is this class of (lower) other."
But, when will they realize that one's identity or self-esteem does not depend upon the subjection of another? The oppressor may be on top, but he is not free! Why do some of us cling to the obsolete tradition of establishing, assigning, and maintaining a lower status other-ness?
Even in religion, many practitioners cling to religion not because they are true seekers, but because within its culture, they have created a self-satisfying niche. They have an office, a title, some some esteem, some emolument. For some, the payoff is simply to feel themselves as "saved" and derive some pleasure from not being (or feeling like) a sinner.
The reality, however, is that EVERYBODY is a sinner! How can a true seeker placate one's self in social dynamic that is known to not be true (i.e. I am saved and everyone else is a sinner)? This value assignment is diametrically opposed to the reason religion was established in the first place!
The point of religion (and spiritual striving in general) is for the individual to seek, and thus, try to "save" self by rectifying one's own character flaws and shortcomings; and further, to establish camaraderie with and draw strength from those with similar spiritual aims.
Unfortunately, so many have foregone this ideal, substituting it for the weekly entertainment and emotional catharsis, with a retreat into false and fleeting comfort. But, God set up Creation so that periodic trials and tribulations regularly try to shake us out of our slumber, comfort, and complacency.
The goal or aim of religion is unchanged; namely to help bring the practitioner into the knowledge of God. Even the teachings remain salvific. Whether in the midst of trials, or in the ecstasy of joy, the goal is preserved. However, the by-products must change/evolve. The customs may change while the goal remains the same.
The xenophobia must end, the subjection of other-ness must be eliminated, the compulsion to judge must be given up, the preoccupation with the past (as seen through rose colored glasses) must be replaced with bold, forward movement toward a brighter future. In short, we must courageously and decisively choose to part ways with and drop obsolete traditions.
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